Licensing:

1. Where can I go to find out information such as how to become licensed as a Professional Counselor, the requirements for licensure, the licensure standards, and the continuing education hours needed?
2. If I am certified/licensed in another jurisdiction, can I still practice in New Jersey?
3. What are the requirements for a professional counselor’s license?
4. Do I need a license in order to practice in New Jersey?

Training and Exams:

1. When do I take the licensing exam? How do I prepare for it?

Complaints:

1. What if I have a complaint?

Miscellaneous:

1. When does the Committee meet? Can I attend a Committee meeting?

Licensing:

1. Where can I go to find out information such as how to become licensed as a Professional Counselor, the requirements for licensure, the licensure standards, and the continuing education hours needed?
   
   The New Jersey Statutes and License Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Associate Counselor govern all aspects of the Licensed Professional Counselor. It is essential to review and be familiar with the relevant sections of the New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A. 45:8B-34 through 50) and the New Jersey Regulations (N.J.A.C. 13:34-10 through 30.6). The answer to most licensure-related questions can be found in the statutes and regulations which are available at www.consumeraffairs.gov/proc/. Once you access the webpage, click on “Laws and Regulations.”



2. If I am certified/licensed in another jurisdiction, can I still practice in New Jersey?
   The Committee may grant a license to practice counseling or rehabilitation counseling to any person who at the time of application is licensed or certified by an agency located in another state, territory or jurisdiction, if in the opinion of the Committee the requirements of that licensure or certification are substantially similar to New Jersey’s.

   For details see the statute N.J.S.A. 45:8B-46. The requirements for licensure by endorsement are available at N.J.A.C. 13:34-12. The application is available at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/proc/pcappl.pdf.
   
   

3. What are the requirements for a professional counselor’s license?
   Each person applying for licensure as a licensed professional counselor shall make application to the committee on the form available at http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/proc/pcappl.pdf. For details see the statute at N.J.S.A. 45:8B-40 and the regulations at N.J.A.C. 13: 34-10 through 13.
   
   

4. Do I need a license in order to practice in New Jersey?
   Yes. No person shall engage in the practice of counseling as a licensed professional counselor or licensed associate counselor or represent or hold himself out as a licensed professional counselor or licensed associate counselor, unless licensed pursuant to this Act. No person licensed as a professional counselor, or an associate counselor shall engage in the practice of rehabilitation counseling unless licensed as a rehabilitation counselor. For details see the statute N.J.S.A. 45:8B-39. Exemptions to licensure are specified at N.J.S.A. 45:8B-48.

   
   

Training and Exams:

1. When do I take the licensing exam? How do I prepare for it?
   Once you have filed an application for Professional Counselor licensure, paid the fees, and met document number of satisfaction of the educational requirements, you will receive a notice from the Committee that you have been approved to sit for the National Counselors Exam, which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Further information about the exam and preparatory materials can be found at the National Board for Certified Counselors’ (N.B.C.C.) website: http://nbcc.org . Private companies that can help you prepare for this exam.
   
   

Complaints:

1. What if I have a complaint?
   You may file a written complaint against a professional counselor by submitting the Consumer Complaint form available at: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/complaint/pccom.pdf
   
   

Miscellaneous

1. When does the Committee meet? Can I attend a Committee meeting?
   Every Committee meeting includes a public agenda meeting opened to the public. Times, dates and the locations of meetings are listed on the Committee's website. Some Committee business, such as the review of complaints, investigations, and certain applicants' credentials, are not open to the public. Minutes are posted on the website http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/proc/